The Detroit Pistons’ roster often triggers a wave of nostalgia, leading fans and analysts to ponder various ‘what if’ scenarios, mainly when reflecting on pivotal draft decisions. One such moment in the franchise’s history is the 2003 NBA Draft, where the Pistons opted for Darko Miličić over future luminaries like Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. This decision remains a focal point of endless debates, as fans and analysts continuously revisit it, speculating on how different choices could have reshaped the team’s trajectory and invoking a profound sense of connection to the team’s past.
In contemporary sports, fantasy sports have become a potent tool for fans. They offer a unique platform to construct dream team lineups and envision how players from different eras might perform together. Beyond mere recreation, fantasy sports empower fans to explore countless ‘what could have been’ scenarios. For example, what if the Pistons had selected Wade in 2003? How might he have meshed with the core of that era, including Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace? Fantasy sports provide a canvas for these captivating possibilities to materialize, igniting curiosity and intrigue among the audience. Let’s apply this logic to construct the ultimate Pistons’ fantasy team from 11 years of missed opportunities.
Detroit Pistons’ Ideal Fantasy Draft Picks Over Last Decade
Detroit Pistons Fantasy Draft Point Guard: Tyrese Haliburton (2020)
In the 2020 draft, the Detroit Pistons held the 7th overall pick and selected Killian Hayes. Thanks to his size (6’5”, 195 pounds) and natural playmaking skills, Hayes was considered a promising point guard choice. However, he had areas for improvement, notably his lack of a jump shot and a right hand. Despite popular belief now, Hayes was considered a solid pick at the time of the draft, highlighting the complexity of these decisions.
Tyrese Haliburton was also available for the Pistons, and many thought he would be their choice. After a strong college run, Haliburton was drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings. In his first year and a half with the Kings, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals on impressive shooting splits (46/41/84%). However, with De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell, the Kings traded Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers for Domantas Sabonis.
Aftermath
Haliburton has elevated his game since joining the Pacers, averaging 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and 1.5 steals on 47/39/85% shooting. His presence transformed the Pacers from a 25-win team to a 47-win team with an Eastern Conference appearance last season. On the other hand, Hayes was released from the Pistons and is now seeking a new basketball home. This deep reflection on the aftermath of draft decisions invites the audience to consider such choices’ profound and long-term impact.
Detroit Pistons Fantasy Draft Shooting Guard: Devin Booker (2015)
During the 2015 draft, the Pistons held the 8th overall pick and selected Stanley Johnson. Johnson was a five-star recruit out of high school with several accolades. He played one season for the Arizona Wildcats, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals in 28.4 minutes. Johnson was named first-team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. This wasn’t a wrong selection for Detroit at the time.
Like Johnson, Devin Booker was a highly-ranked and decorated high school player. He played one season at the University of Kentucky, averaging 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21.5 minutes. He won SEC Sixth Man of the Year, was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, and was an all-SEC Second Team member. Booker would forgo his final three seasons of college eligibility and was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns.
Aftermath
Johnson struggled in 3.5 seasons with the Pistons, averaging 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 22.1 minutes. Conversely, Booker has emerged as one of the best shooting guards in the league. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native has career averages of 24.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 46/35/87% shooting. He is a 4-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA team member.
Detroit Pistons Fantasy Draft Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard (2011)
In the 2011 draft, the Pistons held the 7th overall pick and selected Brandon Knight. Knight made the 2011-12 All-Rookie Team and averaged 13.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in his first two seasons with the Pistons. After the Pistons traded Knight to the Milwaukee Bucks for Brandon Jennings, he had solid seasons with both the Bucks and the Suns before a knee injury sidelined him.
Conversely, the Pacers traded Kawhi Leonard to the Spurs on draft day for George Hill, and he became one of the best two-way players in the NBA. His accolades include:
- 6-time All-Star
- 2-time NBA champion (Spurs and Raptors)
- 2-time Finals MVP
- 7-time All-Defensive Team
- 2-time Defensive Player of the Year
- 2014-15 Steals Champion
- 2019-20 All-Star MVP
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- 2011-12 All-Rookie Team
In his eleven seasons with the Spurs, Raptors, and Clippers, Leonard averages 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo (2013)
With the 8th pick in the 2013 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Caldwell-Pope played his role well, averaging 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals over four seasons and contributing to championship teams in Denver and Los Angeles.
The Pistons could have drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis developed into one of the best players in the world with accolades including:
- 2-time MVP
- 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year
- 2016-17 Most Improved Player
- 2013-14 All-Rookie Team
- 8-time All-Star
- 8-time All-Defensive Team
- 2020-21 All-Star MVP
- NBA Champion
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In his eleven seasons with the Bucks, Giannis averages 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks on 54/28/70% shooting.
Center: Bam Adebayo (2017)
With the 12th pick in the 2017 draft, the Pistons selected Luke Kennard, one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA today. Kennard shot 40% from three in his three seasons with the Pistons and was evolving into a 3-level scorer.
However, the Pistons overlooked Bam Adebayo, who went 14th overall to the Miami Heat. Adebayo is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA today, with five All-Defensive Team selections. His offensive game has also improved drastically, from 6.9 points per game as a rookie to 19.3 points this past season. Adebayo is also an excellent big-man playmaker, averaging 3.5 assists for his career.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons’ draft history is a rich tapestry of decisions that have shaped the team’s past and present. By leveraging the insights provided by fantasy sports and the exploration of ‘what if’ scenarios, fans can engage in a deeper appreciation for the complexities of team building. As the franchise moves forward, these reflections serve as valuable lessons in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, reminding us of the delicate balance between potential and reality in the quest for basketball excellence.
